5 Easy Self-Care Tips for Busy Parents

The difficult news? Self-care looks a little different these days. The good news? It's still achievable! We know you're giving it your all. That's why we've created a handy little guide for realistic self-care tips to help you be the best version of yourself– busy parent approved.

You deserve to take care of yourself. Here's how to do it when you've got a lot going on.

1. Put your phone away

Listen, we get it. When the end of the day comes and our brains are fried from life's responsibilities and parenting, it can sometimes feel like the only thing we have the mental capacity for is to scroll ahead of bedtime aimlessly. And while this may feel like a harmless activity, it can actually do more harm than good, especially when it comes to helping you sleep.

Too much screen use before bed restrains melatonin production, making it difficult to fall asleep and wake up the next day. Scrolling through social media can also create feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and overwhelm– not exactly what we want before drifting off! Instead, try turning off all devices at least an hour before bed and do something else. Listen to music. Read a book. Chat with your partner. Or simply lay there and chill! While it may feel like a small and insignificant activity, the benefits may surprise you. Try these 6 tips for better sleep.

2. Get comfortable with self-love

There's a reason why the experts recommend reciting daily affirmations to improve well-being. This stuff works. When the going gets tough, lots of us struggle with feelings of failure and guilt, especially on the parenting front. Instead of focusing on what's going wrong, try praising yourself with 2 to 3 sentences every morning when you wake up and before you go to bed.

And no, it doesn't have to be monumental. These affirmations can look like, "I kept my cool when little Johnny threw his dinner on the floor again." Or something like, "I prioritise my own well-being to be a better parent and human." Your day will have negatives and things you need to work on. It's called being human! Try focusing on what you did well to shift your perspective and head space.

3. Do more of what makes you happy

Spending time on your own doing things that make you happy doesn't make you a bad parent. In fact, it makes you a great parent. Happy and balanced parents have happy and balanced attitudes around their kiddos. If you feel ultra-stressed out and overwhelmed lately, take this as a sign that you need to do more things that make your soul sing.

And while having this luxury every day would be fantastic, we acknowledge it's not the reality for most parents. So start small with 30 minutes a week. Schedule it on your calendar like you would a doctor's appointment. Use that time to go for a walk, paint, catch up with loved ones, whatever! It's essential to take this time for yourself.

4. De-clutter your space

Okay, hear us out. We know that de-cluttering isn't exactly the most glamorous self-care activity there is. But once it's over and done, the result is less cleaning, less stress, and more time to spend on yourself. Trust us. This works. 

As busy parents, our houses can quickly accumulate items. The result? An overwhelming space with far too many things to clean and stressed-out parents. Instead of buying new kids toys when your little ones have outgrown their old stuff, use a swapping app like Sassybae to swap toys or join a toy library and keep your house slightly organised. De-cluttering can have a tremendous impact on your mental health, not to mention all the benefits of saving money. Read more about our home organisation tips and how to turn your kid’s mess into success.

5. Get outside 

There's a reason why we feel so good after spending time in nature. But with busy schedules, work commitments, and everyday life, we can quickly forget how important it is to get outside and reap the benefits of the elements.

If your family activities are typically spent indoors, try consciously choosing activities based outside. Go for bush or park walks with the family. Walk around the block after work. Take a dip in the sea any chance you get. Spending time in the great outdoors helps combat stress, anxiety, and depression. And even better, this natural medicine is completely free!

Modern-day parenting can be exhausting. But with these practical self-care tips, you may feel a bit more balanced and happy despite your crazy schedule and even crazier kiddos. So get outside, prioritise your happiness, and reduce clutter with secondhand toys through our toy swapping app. You got this, folks!